Wolf retreated a step or two, and mechanically placed the book he had been reading on the top of another volume, adjusting it evenly and neatly. Then, with his clenched hand resting on the table, and leaning a little forward, “I’ve been thinking, Sir,” he began gravely, “a good deal lately about that book of yours; and I’ve thought I’d like to see you again to find out if we could come⁠ ⁠… if we could come⁠ ⁠…”

“To business, me boy!” threw in the other. “Quite right. I’m your man. I’m ready to bargain with ’ee.”